Where in the world is Gov. Bobby Jindal? The governor did not have out-of-state events slated for today.

The News

Taxes: It’s game time. Members of the Louisiana House on Thursday will provide the first measure of the Legislature’s willingness to raise up to $900 million in taxes that legislative leaders say is needed to prevent gutting the state’s colleges and universities and public health care system next year. http://bit.ly/1IiposQ

Pot sentencing: Amid a broader debate about Louisiana’s strict marijuana laws, a House legal committee Wednesday approved a bill that would cut the 20-year maximum sentence for simple marijuana possession down to eight years. http://bit.ly/1JsBr3N

Kip Holden: Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden and film leaders chided lawmakers on Wednesday morning for considering legislation that would reduce the size of Louisiana’s tax credits for film and television, a program crucial to the state earning the nickname “Hollywood South.” http://bit.ly/1EZexkW

Public records: Legislation that would expand public access to records of the Governor’s Office hit a key milestone this week. http://bit.ly/1IQaIAi

Abortion: Though there’s no clear evidence that it’s a problem, the Louisiana Legislature could soon ban abortion based on gender preferences. http://bit.ly/1IQaQ2L

Medicaid expansion: Another Medicaid expansion effort died Wednesday at the hands of a state Senate panel. Voting largely along party lines, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted 5-3 to defer action on a measure calling for a statewide vote on the issue. http://bit.ly/1IQaXvc

Calendar

Gov. Jay Dardenne, candidate for governor, continues his tour across the state with more stops to mark National Tourism Week.